The ominous rain clouds overhead did nothing to dampen the spirits of those attending Santa Clarita’s Literacy and Arts Festival on Saturday.

The Newhall Library played host to the annual arts, literacy and music festival, which is now in its sixth year. The fair is a partnership of the Santa Clarita Valley Education Foundation and the city of Santa Clarita.

Attendees walked past tents offering a variety of activities, including face painting, live theater performances and an “instrumental petting zoo” that let children play some nontraditional musical instruments.

Ann Unger, executive director of the Santa Clarita Valley Education Foundation, said the array of activities all shared a common purpose — to educate and entertain those in attendance.

“Education is our primary goal, but it’s one you can do in many ways,” Unger said. “Music, art, hands-on activities — they all allow people here to learn something new.”

Unger estimated as many as 3,000 people could attend the festival during its five-hour run, if the weather cooperated.

Unger praised the work of volunteers and the enthusiasm of attendees for helping the event continue to grow in size and scope.

“We don’t really have anything else like this in Santa Clarita,” Unger said. “It’s just perfect for our community.”

Susan Shepard brought her three children out to the event, bundled up in case of a downpour.

Shepard said this is the third or fourth year her family attended and that it is something her children, who range in age from 2 to 12, look forward to.

“It’s a chance to come out, have some fun and support literacy,” Shepard said. “Is there a better cause than that?”